How you can help put a stop to human trafficking on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Every year, on July 30th, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, IOM X commits to its mission to raise awareness against modern slavery. Human trafficking is a global phenomenon, with victims exploited in every region or country of the world. The International Labour Organization, Walk Free and the International Organization for Migration estimate that … Continue reading “How you can help put a stop to human trafficking on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons”
Two young advocates travel to Washington DC to help end modern slavery
Young people have been at the forefront of positive social change. That’s why, this June, IOM X sponsored two young advocates from Southeast Asia to attend the Students Opposing Slavery Summit in Washington DC. We’re thrilled to introduce you to these two inspiring young women: Alifa Salsabila from Indonesia, and Nur Alia Abdul Bari from Brunei. Above: … Continue reading “Two young advocates travel to Washington DC to help end modern slavery”
Where are they now?: Joey, Philippines
In 2015 when IOM X was just a few months old we brought together 20 youth leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries in Bangkok for the IOM X ASEAN Youth Forum. The goal was to connect with amazing young people who were passionate about social change and the issue of human trafficking and to share … Continue reading “Where are they now?: Joey, Philippines”
Where are they now?: Naj, Brunei
In 2015 when IOM X was just a few months old we brought together 20 youth leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries in Bangkok for the IOM X ASEAN Youth Forum. The goal was to connect with amazing young people who were passionate about social change and the issue of human trafficking and to share … Continue reading “Where are they now?: Naj, Brunei”
Where are they now?: Moon, Myanmar
In 2015 when IOM X was just a few months old we brought together 20 youth leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries in Bangkok for the IOM X ASEAN Youth Forum. The goal was to connect with amazing young people who were passionate about social change and the issue of human trafficking and to share … Continue reading “Where are they now?: Moon, Myanmar”
Where are they now?: Hang, Viet Nam
In 2015 when IOM X was just a few months old we brought together 20 youth leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries in Bangkok for the IOM X ASEAN Youth Forum. The goal was to connect with amazing young people who were passionate about social change and the issue of human trafficking and to share … Continue reading “Where are they now?: Hang, Viet Nam”
Where are they now?: Chhaya, Cambodia
In 2015 when IOM X was just a few months old we brought together 20 youth leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries in Bangkok for the IOM X ASEAN Youth Forum. The goal was to connect with amazing young people who were passionate about social change and the issue of human trafficking and to share … Continue reading “Where are they now?: Chhaya, Cambodia”
Learn to act, stop exploitation — a memorable visit to IOM
As a member of the VIA Global Leadership & Engagement Program, I got a chance to tap into a pressing and acute issue facing the world today, which most of us felt powerless to resolve-safe migration and the prevention of human trafficking. I can still recall when we were sitting on soft office chairs in … Continue reading “Learn to act, stop exploitation — a memorable visit to IOM”
Cleaning up supply chains
Supply chains in this globalized world are massive and extremely difficult to oversee, and this leads to problems such as human trafficking and forced labour. Fortunately, there are different actors that taking action, and these actions are leading to promising outcomes. One of these actors is government. As supply chains span across different continents, it … Continue reading “Cleaning up supply chains”
Who is making your stuff? A look at labour exploitation in supply chains
Stories of labour exploitation make headlines time and again. It seems that forced labour is in almost every product – shoes made in factories where workers labour 18 hours a day with meagre salaries and no overtime pay, clothes sewn by children who are not attending school, batteries for phones made with minerals extracted in … Continue reading “Who is making your stuff? A look at labour exploitation in supply chains”
Give your audience what it wants
When we make a video here at IOM X, our research team steps in to make sure that what is being created will be clear and appealing to our target audience. Getting feedback along the way helps improve the final product, which will increase the likelihood of having a strong impact with viewers. One way … Continue reading “Give your audience what it wants”
Campfires & Campaigns: Young people tackle human trafficking in Belarus
Human trafficking is something that seems to happen somewhere far from us. Many people think that slavery is a holdover from the past. But then arises the question: why are there still millions of victims of labor and sexual exploitation, organ removal and economic abuse? The answer is clear. Human trafficking is the problem … Continue reading “Campfires & Campaigns: Young people tackle human trafficking in Belarus”
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: Adapting for Impact
On 30 July, as we mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it’s important to look beyond the usual facts and figures to take stock of how this crime is evolving and how our prevention responses can be equally adaptable. This year’s Trafficking in Persons Report from the U.S. Department of State highlights the … Continue reading “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: Adapting for Impact”
With 110 Million Views, USAID and IOM X Domestic Work Video Hits Home
“Treat people with respect so your children can do the same.” Good advice from Facebook user Pearlena, and just one of 55,000 comments on Open Doors: Singapore, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and IOM X’s drama that follows the story of Lisa, a young Filipina domestic worker, as she begins working for a … Continue reading “With 110 Million Views, USAID and IOM X Domestic Work Video Hits Home”
From Victim to Activist: A Trafficked Fisherman Speaks Out
Rizky Oktaviana spent months stuck at sea, a victim of forced labour on a fishing vessel thousands of miles from his home. Now he’s speaking out about his story and leading activism to reform the fishing industry in Indonesia as the Advocacy Coordinator of Serikat Buruh Migran Indonesia (SBMI). We sat down with him … Continue reading “From Victim to Activist: A Trafficked Fisherman Speaks Out”
Domestic Worker Rights: Gauging the Impact of Open Doors
Hiring a live-in domestic worker in Southeast Asia is not uncommon among middle and upper income families. These domestic workers are often migrants from other countries. Unfortunately, domestic workers – and especially those living with families – can face abuses such as no weekly day off, having to be on call 24 hours a … Continue reading “Domestic Worker Rights: Gauging the Impact of Open Doors”
Ask Judy: Advice from a Migrant Worker in Hong Kong
Baca dalam Bahasa Indonesia: klik di sini. What do migrant workers in Hong Kong want? What do they need? What advice would they give to aspirant migrants? To find out the answers to these questions, we interviewed Sri Martuti (who goes by Judy), an Indonesian domestic worker in Hong Kong. Where are you from? … Continue reading “Ask Judy: Advice from a Migrant Worker in Hong Kong”
ORGANized Crime: Trafficking for Organ Removal
Around the world every day, there are hundreds of thousands of people waiting for an organ. A study from 2013 revealed that 118,127 organs were transplanted that year, but this only covered about 10 per cent of the global demand.[1] Waiting lists to receive an organ are long. In the European Union, the average … Continue reading “ORGANized Crime: Trafficking for Organ Removal”
Who are Human Traffickers?
Human trafficking is a complicated issue. When explaining it, we often talk about how victims were deceived, and the exploitative situations they were forced into. But there is one key part that is rarely discussed: Just who are the traffickers? Understanding who human traffickers are and what their motivations are can help us … Continue reading “Who are Human Traffickers?”
Inside IOM X: A Conversation with Tara Dermott
Since launching in late 2014, IOM X has reached close to 200 million people with entertaining and educational content to encourage safe migration and public action against exploitation and human trafficking. But where does a campaign like this come from? In the case of IOM X, you have to go back to another USAID-funded project, … Continue reading “Inside IOM X: A Conversation with Tara Dermott”
Engaging the Filipino Diaspora
By Elisa Mosler Vidal Arriving alone in a new country can be daunting, but sharing experiences with people who have gone through the same journey can be helpful and comforting. In looking to build communities of social support, dynamic diaspora groups have sprouted up across the world, helping migrants from Hong Kong to Santiago. United by … Continue reading “Engaging the Filipino Diaspora”
Join our #LettersforMigrants Campaign!
Do you care about migrant worker rights, but aren’t sure what you can do to help? Are you a migrant but feel that no one has heard your story? We’ve all seen disturbing news stories about the abuse of migrant workers. How many left their homes for better lives, only to be exploited, or … Continue reading “Join our #LettersforMigrants Campaign!”
From the Regional COMMIT Youth Forum to my COMMIT-ment
By Ngoc Thi Minh To Last summer, I spent almost 3 weeks in Siem Reap (Cambodia) to join a youth-led project on human trafficking prevention. Just a few kilometers away from lavish nightclubs and luxurious residences in the heart of the town a totally different world exists: a lot of people are suffering from extreme poverty, … Continue reading “From the Regional COMMIT Youth Forum to my COMMIT-ment”
Recognize this Fruit?
Heard of sodium lauryl sulfate? What about stearic acid? Glyceryl? You might not know what these are, but chances are you’ve used all of them (maybe even today). They’re all other names for palm oil and its derivatives. Just take a look at the list of ingredients in your shampoo, your pack of … Continue reading “Recognize this Fruit?”
My Poem, My Voice
By Robina Navato I have been working here in Singapore for almost 21 years. And I can say that I am blessed enough to have worked with very good families. From my local employer of 11 years who treated me like a part of their family, to my amazing American employers. Life was not … Continue reading “My Poem, My Voice”
Changing perceptions about migration
By Dana Graber Ladek No matter how you look at it, migration is a journey, and this is a good time of year to think about migratory journeys, as many of us – particularly foreigners like me – have made long journeys back home to visit loved ones. International Migrants’ Day is marked on 18 … Continue reading “Changing perceptions about migration”
A Culture of Migration
With 59 million (documented) migrants from the Asia-Pacific region moving beyond their national borders, it is important to understand what drives people. While researching the attitudes of migrants, particularly what motivates them to migrate, the same theme of poverty and hopes of a better job kept coming up. However, in a region where migration … Continue reading “A Culture of Migration”
IBM and IOM prototype game-changing mobile app to help domestic workers.
“Oh, this could be useful!”, says Champa (34) a migrant domestic worker from Myanmar while looking at the phone she is holding. “This can help domestic workers communicate more easily with their employers – and this is so important to prevent tension in the first place”. She briefly looks up and smiles; a brief … Continue reading “IBM and IOM prototype game-changing mobile app to help domestic workers.”
Behind open doors
At the May 2016 press launch of Open Doors: An IOM X Production, an Indonesian woman came up to me and said, “This is really good. It is so good to see positive stories, rather than negative ones, used to teach a lesson”. The woman, who had previously worked as a domestic worker in … Continue reading “Behind open doors”
Know your audience: Prisana Impact Assessment
Getting the message right takes more than a group of communication practitioners. You need to go to the experts: those to whom the message is intended. When IOM X develops videos, it conducts consultations with people from its target audience. For Prisana: An IOM X Drama, IOM X invited a group of young people to … Continue reading “Know your audience: Prisana Impact Assessment”
Gửi những người lao động Việt Nam ở nước ngoài
Nếu bạn từng là người Việt ở nước ngoài, bạn sẽ biết không nơi nào cho bạn cảm giác là nhà như ở Việt Nam! “Nếu bạn đã từng ra nước ngoài, bạn sẽ biết rằng không nơi nào có cảm giác giống như ở Việt Nam.” Tôi đọc được lời bình luận này trên 1 … Continue reading “Gửi những người lao động Việt Nam ở nước ngoài”
Dear Linko
I would like to thank you for making sure that I always make it to work on time. I know you do not have to wait for me every morning as you have plenty of other customers you could be transporting during the morning rush. But either way you diligently still wait for me … Continue reading “Dear Linko”
Dear Fitri
I know we haven’t talked in a long time, but I wanted to reach out. When we met last year — albeit briefly — and you told me your story it stuck with me. It didn’t fit the pattern. I had always seen in the news how domestic workers were being abused abroad, exploited for money by illegal recruiters … Continue reading “Dear Fitri”
Dear migrants that I’ve interviewed
I’ve talked to many of you through my work as a researcher for an organization that supports migrants. I know I told you then, but just wanted to thank you again for participating in the interviews and focus group discussions that help make our work grounded in real, lived experiences. Having moved from my home … Continue reading “Dear migrants that I’ve interviewed”
To the woman with the baby
Before my son was born, I spent months finding the perfect apartment. Clean, bright, airy and safe. I decorated his nursery, following tips recommended in the baby books I was reading. I felt that everything had to be just perfect for his arrival. Around the same time that I was doing this, a big fence … Continue reading “To the woman with the baby”
About #LettersforMigrants
#LettersforMigrants is a new campaign from IOM X that aims to build public support for migrants’ well-being, showing that they’re human beings who deserve to be treated well. To contribute, send us your letters to [email protected] and we’ll post them online! Ideas for letters: 1. Personal stories if you have a connection to migration … Continue reading “About #LettersforMigrants”
Dear Migrant Workers
A few years ago, I left Malaysia for the first time to embark on a study abroad journey in Australia. It was the first time I left home. I was excited in the beginning. The first few months were like a honeymoon. But the harsh reality kicked in after three months. Like my peers, language … Continue reading “Dear Migrant Workers”
Dear sister, brother, uncle, aunt, father, mother, friend
I am writing to you who I feel connected to. Because just like my parents, you decided to leave your home country and look for job opportunities in a foreign country. And why did you decide to do this? Because your home country could never offer your children — the next generation — access to education, health, and even … Continue reading “Dear sister, brother, uncle, aunt, father, mother, friend”
Turning What You KNOW into What You DO!
Smoking is bad for our health, yet some of us continue to smoke. Not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is dangerous, yet some of us still do it. Regular exercise is important, yet some of us can go weeks (or years!) without working out. We know what’s good for us, but we don’t … Continue reading “Turning What You KNOW into What You DO!”
Rescued from One Facebook Message
Can social media help rescue victims of human trafficking? It might sound unbelievable, but recently we told you about Pisey¹, a distressed Cambodian man who contacted us on Facebook. Recruiters promised him a job aboard a foreign fishing vessel as a translator, but he soon found that he was being forced to perform hard labour, … Continue reading “Rescued from One Facebook Message”
Migration for men and women – is their experience any different?
Remember seeing the images below of Cambodians leaving Thailand following the coup d’état in June 2014? Photo Credit: The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/jun/18/-sp-cambodian-thailand-migrant-workers-flee More than 250,000 Cambodian migrants crossed the border at the time due to fears of arrest. IOM Cambodia conducted interviews with 667 of these returning migrant workers to better understand their migration experiences (before, … Continue reading “Migration for men and women – is their experience any different?”
To passport or not to passport? — That is the question
Ever considered going to another country, for vacation or work, without a passport? The answer might be obvious to you — but for millions around the world, it’s not as clear. It is estimated that there are 25.8 million migrant workers in Asia Pacific¹, of which four million are in Thailand, mostly coming from Cambodia, Myanmar and … Continue reading “To passport or not to passport? — That is the question”
A letter to you(th) about ending human trafficking
Dear you(th), You and I are a part of the 1.8 billion young people in the world. I am a 24-year-old young woman from Portugal. I’ve had plenty of opportunities to choose my education, my career and my happiness. Growing up, I loved watching Brazilian soap operas. There was one in particular that followed the … Continue reading “A letter to you(th) about ending human trafficking”
Free-to-host photo exhibition aims to protect domestic workers
‘No One Should Work This Way’ is a free-to-host photo exhibition by renowned photographer Steve McCurry that spreads awareness of the physical and psychological abuse domestic workers can face, and aims to encourage countries to ratify the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention №189. IOM X recently sat down with Mr. Yoshiteru Uramoto, former Regional Director … Continue reading “Free-to-host photo exhibition aims to protect domestic workers”
Behind closed doors: How two unique campaigns are helping to stop the exploitation of domestic workers
What goes on behind closed doors? Often we’re content not to know. ‘It’s not my business’ we might say, or ‘it’s a family matter’. But hidden from public view, behind the closed doors of private homes, an estimated 1.9 million domestic workers are being exploited in the Asia Pacific region. So how do we open … Continue reading “Behind closed doors: How two unique campaigns are helping to stop the exploitation of domestic workers”
Creating “No One Should Work This Way”
Sometimes a body of work starts because something sticks with you. An idea. An image. A story. In my case, it was a sentence. Well, several sentences. “You’re a dog. You’re a pig.” “You’re so dumb. You’re worse than a pig.” “Come here, dog. Come here. You are stupid. You are a dog. … You’re a … Continue reading “Creating “No One Should Work This Way””
A letter to a F(riend)/(oreign) domestic worker
A few weeks ago, IOM X approached me to write a blog article. I attended the IOM X ASEAN Youth Forum in 2015 and am part of activities to raise awareness about human trafficking and exploitation at my university. The premise for the blog sounded interesting. I was asked to visit the website nooneshouldworkthisway.com and write … Continue reading “A letter to a F(riend)/(oreign) domestic worker”
SOS! Students opposing slavery come together in Washington.
When we arrived, we were welcomed by Jean Baderschneider, CEO of the Global Fund to End Slavery, and sponsor of the Students Opposing Slavery (S.O.S.) Summit. We stayed with Jean for our entire visit and one of the biggest privileges was hearing about her experiences and learning from what she shared with us during our … Continue reading “SOS! Students opposing slavery come together in Washington.”
Playing the victim – Actors assist police in better identifying victims of human trafficking
An officer from the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) is nervously staring at the young woman in front of him. She has just been rescued from a karaoke bar where she had been forced to have unprotected sex with up to 10 customers a day. She is scantily clad, wearing heavy makeup and shaking violently … Continue reading “Playing the victim – Actors assist police in better identifying victims of human trafficking”
IOM X Belarus set to connect with young Belarusians
IOM X Belarus launched today, marking the first IOM X campaign to take foot outside the ASEAN region. You can visit their new website here: x.iom.by. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the new campaign aims to increase awareness of human trafficking among young Belarusians and encourage them to contribute to … Continue reading “IOM X Belarus set to connect with young Belarusians”
IOM X Roadshow model rolls out in Cotabato
As a Communication for Development (C4D) campaign, IOM X designs its communication activities in close consultation with its target audience. The IOM X Roadshow model is a great example of how this works. The model comprises of three parts. First there is a Participatory Planning and Capacity Building workshop (yes, we know that’s a mouthful, let’s … Continue reading “IOM X Roadshow model rolls out in Cotabato”
Thiri’s 23-year Journey as a Domestic Worker
In late 2015, IOM X sat down with Thiri*, a Myanmar domestic worker working abroad. Her remarkable story is below. After her father died in 1992, Thiri left her village in Myanmar’s Kachin state on a meandering journey that would take her through military checkpoints; a hidden forest border crossing and secret late-night truck … Continue reading “Thiri’s 23-year Journey as a Domestic Worker”
Hoops for Sansa Rani
On a rainy Saturday morning this month, Hindson Her, founder of GOAT Basketball, Seoul’s largest amateur basketball troupe, met with Dustin Kerns and Eunjin Jeong, both employees of IOM Seoul, at Jamwon Han River Courts. They set up tents, hung posters and prepared for the arrival of23 teams and more than 100 spectators. This year’s … Continue reading “Hoops for Sansa Rani”
Knowing Before You Go is Critical
Samnang*, a 33-year old from Banteay Meanchey province in Cambodia, learned the hard way that working abroad without the right documents is not worth it. Thai authorities deported him after working illegally in the construction sector in Prachinburi Province. “Do not trust anyone who promises to help you cross a border without the right … Continue reading “Knowing Before You Go is Critical”
Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3 – Migrate Safely!
While some of us are glued to our smart phones for news, there are many communities where radio is a valuable tool for people to get information. With this in mind, IOM X and IOM Lao PDR conducted a three-day training for community radio volunteers, local government representatives and NGOs in Vientiane on 16-18 … Continue reading “Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3 – Migrate Safely!”
Whose Line is it anyway?
What’s the role of media and technology when it comes to human trafficking prevention? This was the question that the IOM X session posed at the Border Control Agency Management Program (BCAMP) with participants from nine countries in Asia Pacific. BCAMP is sponsored by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection and presented … Continue reading “Whose Line is it anyway?”
How to reach 50 million people in one day
As a regional project to raise awareness about human trafficking and exploitation, we’ve learned something very important over the years: it’s not enough to just create content, you need to announce it with a bang. When it came time to roll out our Happy Home campaign, we did exactly that. The IOM X Happy … Continue reading “How to reach 50 million people in one day”
What makes a home happy?
Globally, one in every 13 female wage earners is employed in domestic work. To put it in perspective, that’s roughly the same amount of people who use Facebook, and EVERYONE uses Facebook. When we started talking about live-in domestic workers, also known as maids, nannies or helpers, at IOM X, it was a new area … Continue reading “What makes a home happy?”
Walk this way: The behaviour change journey
It may have sounded easy enough when Aerosmith told everyone to “walk this way” in their 1986 song but behaviour change involves a lot more than just issuing an order. It’s a journey that starts with shifts in knowledge, then attitude, and ultimately changes in behaviour. Cambodian counter-trafficking practitioners came together to discuss behaviour change … Continue reading “Walk this way: The behaviour change journey”
And the winner is….
Back in January, IOM X worked with an amazing youth-led organization called Project Liber8 on a human trafficking awareness-raising workshop with young YouTubers and media students called Advoc8: The YouTube Edition. Check out this blog post for more information about the workshop. A few months later this creative crew had created six videos highlighting sexual … Continue reading “And the winner is….”
Common misconceptions about migrant workers
There are many myths about migrant workers. These myths are harmful as they help spread negative attitudes towards migrants. That’s why we wanted to help shed some light on these common myths and see if there is any truth behind them. 1. Migrant workers only benefit their home country. False. While remittances from migrant workers … Continue reading “Common misconceptions about migrant workers”
Packing a big message into 3 MINUTES
Today was the first day of filming for our upcoming Public Service Announcement (PSA) to help raise awareness about the fair treatment of domestic workers amongst Indonesian employers. The PSA is going to be short and sweet, just three-minutes long. It’s hard to pack a lot into three minutes, especially when a country doesn’t already … Continue reading “Packing a big message into 3 MINUTES”
“Waiter – The IOM X Innovations menu please!”
If you enjoy quotes we have a fun challenge for you. Go to your preferred quote-website (Brainy Quotes, Goodreads), type in the word “innovation”, read through the results and try to find a prominent humanitarian amongst its authors. You will be looking for a long time. But why? The ALNAP Review of Humanitarian … Continue reading ““Waiter – The IOM X Innovations menu please!””
How to explain human trafficking to your friends and family
Can you imagine having your freedom taken away? Your freedom to move, to choose, to plan your own future? This is the reality for more than 20 million people around the world who are victims of human trafficking. Most of us are aware that human trafficking exists, and that it is a global problem, but … Continue reading “How to explain human trafficking to your friends and family”
IOM X News – January 2016
IOM X is at the forefront of developing media and technology solutions to help prevent human trafficking and exploitation in Asia Pacific. Here are some highlights of what the organization achieved last quarter, from October-December 2015. 566,000 people globally know more about different issues related to human trafficking. From October to December, over half … Continue reading “IOM X News – January 2016”
Hello from IOM X
IOM X is the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) innovative campaign to encourage safe migration and public action to stop human trafficking and exploitation. The campaign leverages the power and popularity of media and technology to inspire young people and their communities to act against human trafficking – the buying and selling of people … Continue reading “Hello from IOM X”
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